Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate St Albans is set to ‘man-mark’ the flotilla, providing reassurance to nations bordering the North Sea and English Channel.

‘We will keep a close eye on the Admiral Kuznetsov as it skulks back to Russia; a ship of shame whose mission has only extended the suffering of the Syrian people,’ said Sir Michael, a former minister for Portsmouth.

We will keep a close eye on the Admiral Kuznetsov as it skulks back to Russia; a ship of shame whose mission has only extended the suffering of the Syrian people

Commander Chris Ansell, commanding officer of HMS St Albans

‘We are man-marking these vessels every step of the way around the UK as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe.’

St Albans is equipped with a Merlin helicopter and state-of-the-art radar.

The ship, which has been working alongside RAF typhoon aircraft, will continue to monitor the Russian carrier as she belches thick black smoke on her way through the Channel.

‘The movements of the Russian ships are being continually monitored in a co-ordinated response between the Royal Navy, RAF and our NATO partners.

‘As an island nation, the security of the seas around our coastline is vital and this sort of task is routine business for HMS St Albans and the Royal Navy, which stands ready at all times to protect UK territorial waters.

‘My ship’s company of 190 sailors take great pride in the role they play as one of the UK’s on-call warships to deal with this type of situation.’

The Kuznetsov carrier group previously passed through the Channel last autumn on its way to the Mediterranean and was escorted by Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond.